MANUAL  OF  THE  NEW  ENGLAND 

CONGREGATIONAL  CHURCH ; 

Ch  '  Ca.90,  ILLINOIS. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2018  with  funding  from 
University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign 


https://archive.org/details/articlesoffaithcOOchic 


OF  THE 


NEW  ENGLAND  CHURCH 


CHICAGO,  ILLINOIS. 


'V  • 


X. 


CHICAGO : 

MUNSON  AND  BRADLEY,  81  LAKE  STREET 


1858. 


yDelu  pitglanii  Congregational  Ctjurclj,  Cljicago. 


TIIK 


ARTICLES  OF  FAITII, 


COVENANT, 


ECCLESIASTICAL  PRINCIPLES  ANI)  RULES, 


HISTORICAL  SKETCH, 


AND 


CATALOGUE  O  3D  MEMUERS, 


April,  1858. 


CHICAGO: 

MUNSON  AND  BRADLEY,  8  1  LAKE  STREET 


1858. 


SCRIPPS,  BROSS  AND  SPKARS, 

BOOK  PRINTERS, 

43  CLARK  STREET,  CHICAGO,  ILLINOIS. 


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HISTORICAL  SKETCH. 


In  the  autumn  of  the  year  1852  the  Pra  rie  Herald ,  a  religious  paper  which 
had  been  for  some  time  published  in  Chicago,  was  offered  for  sale.  The  Rev. 
L.  S.  Hobart  of  Michigan,  and  the  Rev.  J.  C.  Holbrook  of  Dubuque,  Iowa,  being 
providentially  present  in  Chicago  (to  assist  in  the  dedication  services  of  the 
Plymouth  Church),  entered  into  negotiations  for  the  purchase  of  the  paper, 
with  a  view  of  making  it  the  organ  of  Congregationalism  in  the  Northwest 
A  meeting  of  a  few  persons  was  called  to  consider  the  subject;  among  whom 
were  Philo  Carpenter,  Joseph  Johnston,  Lewis  Broad,  L.  D.  Olmsted,  C.  G. 
Hammond,  Rev.  Messrs.  Holbrook  and  Hobart,  and  perhaps  some  others.  It 
became  necessary,  in  case  the  purchase  were  made,  to  secure  an  editor;  and 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Holbrook  signifying  his  willingness  to  accept  the  post  and  to 
remove  to  this  City,  only  upon  the  condition  of  finding  an  opening  to  labor  also 
in  the  ministry,  the  project  was  suggested  of  commencing  services  on  the  North 
side  of  the  river  as  a  missionary  effort,  with  a  view  of  organizing  a  church, 
should  the  leadings  of  Providence  indicate  its  propriety.  This  plan,  after  some 
deliberation,  was  adopted  ;  and  subscriptions  for  the  support  of  Mr.  Holbrook 
were  secured.  Meetings  were  commenced  on  Sabbath  afternoons  at  the  North 
Market  Hall,  and  prayer  meetings  held  at  private  houses  ;  the  congregation  of 
the  Plymouth  Church  constituting  for  a  long  time,  the  principal  congregation 
in  attendance  on  the  North  side.  During  the  winter  of  1853,  preliminary  steps 
were  taken  to  procure  a  lot  and  erect  a  house  of  worship  on  it.  A  lot  on  the 
corner  of  Wolcott  and  Indiana  streets,  was  purchased  in  the  name  of  B.  Car¬ 
penter,  and  subscriptions  obtained  to  make  the  first  payment  thereon,  and  to 
build  a  house  of  worship.  J.  C.  Holbrook,  L.  D.  Olmsted,  and  B.  Carpenter 
were  appointed  building  committee.  The  effort  being  still  regarded  as  a  mis- 
sionary  effort,  with  no  certainty  as  to  the  result,  whether  or  not  Providence 
would  seem  to  indicate  the  organization  and  permanence  of  a  church,  it  was 
agreed  that  all  subscribers  to  the  purchase  and  building  should  own  their 

nwvofn  r\i»/~vn/OT»f  I  rvnc  r\f  t]^Q  prOpCl'ty,  <111(3  llC  +A  f.Tin  CO  m  A  lvnloca  on 

auld  be  formed  under 


UNIVERSITY  OF 
ILLINOIS  LIBRARY 
AT  URBANA-CHAtoPAIGN 


from  April  1,  1853;  in  which  case  each  subscriber  was  to  be  refunded  the 
amount  of  his  subscription,  but  without  interest — unless  he  should  donate  the 
same  to  such  ecclesiastical  society,  for  the  benefit  of  the  society  and  the  church 
to  be  organized  in  connection  therewith.  Preliminary  steps  Avere  taken  about 
the  first  of  May,  1853,  to  compile  Articles  of  Faith,  Covenant,  and  Rules  of 
church  order,  by  a  committee  consisting  of  Rev.  J.  C.  Holbrook,  C.  G.  Ham¬ 
mond,  G.  C.  "Whitney  and  LeAvis  Broad;  and  a  committee,  consisting  of  Rev.  J. 
C.  Holbrook,  G.  C.  Whitney  and  L.  D.  Olmsted,  was  appointed  to  call  a  Council 
of  Churches  to  organize  a  Congregational  church  in  Xorth  Chicago,  in  June 
following. 

The  Articles  of  Faith,  etc.,  were  agreed  to  on  the  succeeding  Sabbath,  after 
the  usual  exercises  of  public  worship ;  and  on  the  15th  day  of  June,  1853, 
pursuant  to  letters  missive,  a  Council  assembled,  and  organized  the  following 
individuals  into  a  Congregational  Church  in  the  Xorth  Division  of  Chicago: 


Rev.  J.  C.  Holbrook, 
Mrs.  A.  S.  Holbrook, 
Abraham  Clark, 

Mrs.  Melicent  Clark, 
Miss  Jane  Clark, 

Miss  R.  A.  Coale, 
Charles  G.  Hammond, 
Mrs.  C.  G.  Hammond, 
Orlando  Davidson, 
Mrs.  0.  Davidson, 
Benjamin  Carpenter, 


Mrs.  B.  Carpentor, 

L.  D.  Olmsted, 

Mrs.  L.  D.  Olmsted, 
J.  W  Davidson, 

Mrs.  J.  W.  Davidson, 
Miss  C.  Davidson, 

C.  II.  Whitney, 

Miss  Sarah  Whitney, 
G.  C.  Whitney, 

Mrs.  G.  C.  Whitney. 


On  July  6,  1853,  at  a  regular  church  meeting,  Charles  G.  Hammond  and 
George  C.  Whitney  were  elected  Deacons,  and  Orlando  Davidson,  Clerk. 

The  name  by  which  this  Church  is  now  known,  “Xew  England  Church,”  Avas 
adopted  by  unanimous  vote  of  the  Church,  October  9,  1853. 

The  Rev.  J.  C.  Holbrook  continued  his  labors  as  stated  supply  of  this  Church 
until  the  close  of  1855.  He  Avas  never  settled  as  Pastor  of  the  Church,  although 
a  call  was  once  extended  to  him  by  the  Church.  From  that  time  until  March, 
1857,  the  pulpit  Avas  supplied  by  different  Ministers  ;  but  for  more  than  half  of 
the  time  by  the  Rev.  Charles  P.  Bush,  a  Presbyterian  minister,  noAv  settled  at 
Beloit.  The  Rev.  S.  C.  Bartlett  became  our  minister  as  pastor  elect,  in  March, 
1857,  and  Avas  duly  installed  April  15,  1857.  L.  D.  Olmsted  was  the  first  super¬ 
intendent  of  the  Sabbath  School  connected  with  the  Church,  which  situation 
Avas  afterwards  held  by  C.  II.  Whitney  iioav  deceased,  by  Mortimer  M.  Brown, 
bv  C.  II.  Hammond,  and  by  Wm.  II.  Bradley,  the  present  superintendent. 
An  Ecclesiastical  Society  was  formed  in  connection  Avith  this  Church,  in  Feb¬ 
ruary,  1850,  called  “  The  Xcav  England  Congregational  Society,”  which  united 


with  the  Church  in  calling  the  present  Pastor,  Rev.  S  C.  Bartlett,  Nov.  8,  1856, 
and  in  renewing  said  call  February  1,  1857. 

The  articles  of  Faith,  Covenant,  and  Standing  Rules  were  revised  and  adopted, 
in  their  present  form,  in  the  month  of  March,  1858. 


ARTICLES  OF  FAITH. 


ADOPTED  MARCH  3n,  1858. 


1.  We  believe  that  there  is  one  only  living  and  true  God  ;  a  Being  possessed 
of  every  possible  peifection,  infinite  in  power,  wisdom,  holiness,  justice,  good¬ 
ness,  and  tiuth. 

Deut.  vi.  4.  Is.  xLi.  S;  xiv.  5.  Neh.  ix.  G.  Jer.  x.  10.  Chron.  xxix.  11.  Ps.  cxlv.  3. 
Rev.  xix.  16.  Is.  xliii.  13  Acts  xv.  IS.  Rom.  xi.  33;  xvi.  27.  Col.  ii.  3.  Rev.  iv.  S.  Ps. 
v.  4  ;  cxix.  137.  Ex.  xxxiv.  G.  Deut.  xxxii.  4.  l’s.  c.  5. 

IT.  We  believe  that  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments  are  given 
by  inspiration  of  God,  and  that  they  contain  the  only  perfect  rule  of  faith  and 
practice. 

2  Tim.  iii.  16.  2  Pet.  i.  19,  20,  21.  Heb.  i.  1.  1  Cor.  ii.  13.  Gal.  i.  11,  12.  Mat.  x.  20. 
Luke  i.  70.  Acts.  i.  1G  ;  iii.  IS;  xxviii.  25.  1  Thes.  ii.  13.  Is.  viii.  20.  Gal.  i.  S.  Jolm  xii.  4S. 
Rev.  xxii.  IS,  19. 

III.  We  believe  that  according  to  the  Scriptures  there  are  three  persons  in 
the  Godhead,  the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost;  and  that  these  three 
arc  one  God,  the  same  in  substance,  equal  in  power  and  glory. 

Mat.  xxviii.  19.  2  Cor.  xiii.  14.  Phil.  ii.  6.  Is.  ix.  G.  Mat.  i.  23.  1  Tim.  iii.  16.  John  i. 
1,2,3,14;  xx.  38.  lltb.  i.  3,  8.  1  John,  v.  20.  Rom.  ix.  5.  Rev.  i.  S;  v.  13.  Ileb.  xiii.  S. 
Mat.  xviii,  20  ;  xxviii.  20.  John  xxi.  17  ;  ii.  24,  25.  Col.  i.  1G,  17.  Acts  x.  42.  John  v.  17,  23. 
Heb.  i.  G.  Acts  vii.  59;  v.  3,  4.  John  i.  13,  with  iii.  5.  2  Tim.  iii.  16,  with  2  Pet.  i.  21.  John 
xvi.  13;  xiv.  16,17.  Luke  xii.  12.  1  Cor.  ii.  10. 

IV.  We  believe  that  God  has  made  all  things  for  himself;  that  he  governs 
the  universe  according  to  the  counsel  of  his  own  w  ill,  and  that  all  events  will 
be  made  subservient  to  his  wise  and  benevolent  designs. 


Rev.  iv.  11.  Rom.xi.3G. 
Job  xiv.  5.  Luke  xxii.  22. 


Trov.  xvi.  4. 
Acts  ii.  22 


iv 


Is.  xlvi.  10.  Eph.  i.  11  ;  iii.  11.  Acts  xv.  18  ;  xvii.  26. 
22,  28.  Ps.  xxxiii.  11.  Job.  xxiii.  13.  Is.  xiv.  24, 


27  •  xliv.  G,  7  ;  xlvi.  G,  7.  Col.  i.  1G.  Dan.  iv,  35.  Ps.  cxlv;  10,  11,  12. 


ARTICLES  OF  FAITII. 


Y.  We  believe  that  man  Avas  created  in  the  image  of  God,  in  a  state  of  recti¬ 
tude  and  holiness ;  that  he  fell  from  that  state  by  transgressing  the  divine  huv  ; 
and  that  in  consequence  of  the  original  apostacy,  the  heart  of  man  in  his  natural 
state  is  destitute  of  holiness  and  inclined  to  evil ;  and  that  all  men,  previous  to 
regeneration,  are  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins. 


Gen.  i.  27;  iii.  3,  6,  Eccl  vii,  29.  Rom.  v.  12,  18,19.  Eph.  ii.  1,  3.  John  v.  42.  Rom-  i 
vii.  IS;  viii.  7,  8.  Jer.  xvii.  9.  Gen.vi.  5.  Rom.  iii  9 — 12.  Ps.  ii.  5.  Jobxv.  14.  John  iii- 
C,  19.  Gen.  viii.  21.  Ps.  lviii.  3.  Prov.  xxii.  15.  Ps.  xiv.  2,  3.  John  iii.  5.  Tit.  iii.  5. 


YI.  We  believe  that  Christ  Jesus  has,  by  his  sufferings  and  death,  made 
atonement  for  sin,  and  that  all  Avho  are  saved,  arc  justified  Avholly  by  grace  ,l 
through  the  redemption  which  there  is  in  Chiist. 


Mat.xxvi.28.  1  Pet.  i.  18, 19.  2  Cor.  v.  14, 15 ;  viii.  9.  Is.  Iii.  5.  Mat.xx.28.  Eph.  ii.  13.  j 
Heb.  ix.  12;  x.  10,  14.  Gal.  iii.  13.  Eph.  i.  7.  1  Tim.  i.  15.  Acts  xx.  28.  Rom.  iii.  24, 25 ;  v. 

G,  8.  1  Cor.  ii.  2  ;  v.  7  ;  xv.  3  1  John  ii.  1,2.  Rev.  v.  9.  John  iii.  16.  Acts  ivr.  12.  Eph.  j 
ii.  5,8.  Heb.  ii.  9.  Rom.  xi.  6.  2  Tim.  i.  9.  Tit.  iii.  5,  7.  Col.  iii.  10.  Rom.  iii.  24. 


YII.  We  believe  that  salvation  is  ftecly  offered  to  all  men,  and  that  all  men 
are  under  obligation,  immediately  to  embrace  the  Gospel ;  but  that  such  is  the  ; 
depravity  of  the  human  lieai t,  that  no  man  Avill  come  to  Christ,  until  lie  is 
renewed  by  the  special  agency  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 


Rev.  xxii.  16.  Is.  lv.  1,  2,  3,  6,7.  Luke  xiv.  17.  Mat.  xi.  2S,  29.  John  vi.  35,  7,37. 
Ezek.xxxiii.il.  Acts  iii.  19.  Rev.  xxi.  6.  Ezek.  xviii.  31.  James  iv.  7,  8.  John  v.  40;  iii. 
19;  A7i.  44,  45.  Mat.  xxii.  3,5,6.  Luke  xiv.  1S-20.  John  iii.  3,5,6.  Rom.  vii.  S,  13,14. 
1  Cor.  ii.  14.  Eph.  ii.  1.  Tit.  iii.  5.  Ezek.  xi.  19  ;  xxxvi.  26,  27.  Cel.  ii.  13.  1  John  v.  4.  1  Cor. 
vi.  11.  Phil.  ii.  13. 


Yllh  We  believe  that  all  ayIio  embrace  the  Gospel,  were  from  the  beginning 
chosen  unto  salvation,  through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit  and  belief  of  the 
truth ;  and  that  they  will  be  kept  by  the  power  of  God  through  faith  unto  | 
salvation. 


Eph.  i.  4,5,  11.  John  xvii.  6,  9,  11,  24.  Rom.  viii.  25-80;  ix.  11  ;  xi.  5-7.  Acts  xxviii.  4S. 
Mat.  xxiv.  24.  2  Thes.  ii.  13.  2  Tim.  i.  9.  1  Pet.  i.  2.  1  Thes.  v.  9.  John  xiii.  IS  ;  xv.10, 19. 
2  Pet.  i.  10.  Gal.  ii.  16;  iii.  11;  v.  4,  Phil.  i.  6.  1  Cor.  i.  8.  John  vi.  39;  x.  27-29.  1  John 
ii.  19.  Ps.  xxxvii.  23,  24.  Job  xvii.  9.  Rom.  viii.  1,30,  38,39.  Heb.  vii.  25.  John  iii,  36. 
Heb.  vi.  19.  2  Thes.  ii.  14.  1  Pet,  i.  3-5.  1  Tins.  v.  9,  10,  23,  24.  Mat.  vii.  24,  25.  John 
iv.  14.  1  Pet.  i.  9. 


IX.  We  believe  that  the  moral  law  of  God  is  peipctually  binding  as  a  rule  of 
duty  ;  and  that  an  habitual  endeavor  after  conformity  to  its  requirements,  is  an 
indispensable  mark  of  true  faith  in  Christ  and  a  good  hope  of  eternal  life. 


Rom.  vii.  12.  Mat.  v.  17,  19,  4S.  Rom.  vi.  15.  Mat.  xxii.  37-39.  1  Pet,  i.  15,16.  Rom- 
xii.  1.  2  Cor.  vii.  1.  Eph.  iv.  25-32;  v.  1,  11.  1  Pet.  ii.  21,  22.  Tet.  ii.  11,  12.  Mat.  vii. 
20,21.  John  viii.  47  ;  xiii.  35;  xiv.  21,  Rom.  viii.  9.  James  ii.  17,  IS.  1  John  ii.  3-5;  iii.  3, 
24  ;  v.  2,  3. 


'0/ 


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ARTICLES  OF  FAITH.  7 


X.  We  believe  that  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  has  a  visible  Church  in  this  world 

J 

to  which  those,  and  those  only,  should  be  admitted,  who  give  credible  evidence 
of  regeneration. 

1  Cor.  i.  2;  xii.  12,  13.  Acts  ii.  47.  Col.  i.  1-5.  Rev.  ii.  7.  1  Tim.  iii.  15.  Eph.  ii.  20. 
Acts  xx.  28.  Mat.  x.  32,  33.  Eph.  v.  25.  Rom.  x.  9.  10.  2  Cor.  vi.  10,  17.  Eph.  i.  1.  Acts 
viii.  36,  37.  John  iii.  5. 

XL  We  believe  that  the  Christian  Sabbath  is  of  divine  appointment  and 
permanent  obligation ;  that  the  sacraments  of  Baptism  and  the  Lord’s  Supper 
were  instituted  by  Christ,  and  are  to  be  observed  to  the  end  of  the  world  ;  that 
visible  believers  in  regular  Church  standing  only,  can  consistently  partake  of 
the  Lord’s  Supper;  and  that  visible  believers  and  their  households  only,  can 
consistently  be  admitted  to  the  ordinance  of  Baptism. 

Gen.  ii.  2,  3.  Ex.  xx.  S-10.  Mark  ii.  27,  28.  Mat,  xii,  13;  xxiv.  20.  Mark  xvi.  9.  John 
xx.  19.  Acts  xx.  7.  1  Cor.  xvi.  2.  Rev.  i  10.  Mat.  xxvi,  26-29.  1  Cor.  xi.  23-26.  Mat. 
xxviii.  19.  Acts  ii.  41.  1  Cor.  xi.  27-30;  v.  7,  8,  Acts  viii.  36,  37 ;  ii.  41.  Gen.  xvii.  7,  9- 
12.  Rom.  iv.  11,  16.  1  Cor  vii.  14.  Luke  xviii.  15-17,  Acts  xvi.  15,33.  1  Cor.  i.  16.  Gal. 
iii.  27-29. 

XII.  We  believe  that  there  will  be  a  resurrection  of  the  just  and  of  the 
unjust,  and  a  day  of  general  judgment;  and  that  the  wicked  will  go  away  into 
punishment,  and  the  lighteous  into  happiness,  both  of  which  will  be  without 
end. 


Acts  xxiv.  15.  John,  v.  28,  29 ;  xi.  23-25.  1  Cor.  xv.  52.  Heb.  ix.  27,  Rev.  xx.  12.  Mat. 
xxv.  31-33.  Rom.  xiv.  10,  12.  2  Cor.  v.  10,  11.  Mat.  xii.  36;  xvi.  27;  xxv.  34,  41,  46. 
Rom.  ii.  5-11.  Mat.  xiii.  40-43,  47-50.  2  l'hes.  i.  6-10.  2  Pet.  iii.  7.  Rev.  xiv.  11,  13. 
Mat.  iii.  7,  10,  12.  Mark  iii.  29.  Mat.  xii.  31.  Joh  niii.  36.  Mat.  xxvi.  24.  Luke  xiii.  23-30. 
John  iii.  16.  1  l  et.  i.  3,  4. 


O. 


COVENANT. 


Viewing  yourselves  to  be  subjects  of  special  Divine  grace,  and  bound  publicly  i 
to  confess  Christ,  you  do  now,  in  the  presence  of  God,  angels  and  men,  acknow¬ 
ledge  your  obligation  to  be  the  Lord’s,  and  do  here  solemly  consecrate  your¬ 
selves  and  all  you  have,  forever,  to  God,  through  Jesus  Christ.  You  renounce 
the  ways  of  sin,  and  choose  the  Lord  Jehovah  to  be  your  God,  and  eternal 
portion;  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  be  your  only  Savior;  and  the  Holy  Ghost? 
your  Sanctifier  and  Comfoiter.  You  take  God’s  Holy  Word  to  be  your  rule  of 
faith  and  practice,  and  you  engage,  by  the  help  of  his  grace,  to  conform  to  it 
in  all  your  conduct.  You  promise  constantly  to  attend  on  all  the  institutions 
and  ordinances  of  the  Gospel ;  and  particularly  the  Lord’s  Supper,  Public 
Worship,  and  the  social  meetings  of  the  Church ;  to  maintain  secret  prayer 
daily,  and  by  example  and  effort  to  encourage  fami:y  devotions  and  the  strict 
observance  of  the  Sabbath,  and  to  restrain  fiom  vicious  practices  all  who  may 
be  under  your  care.  You  promise  to  avoid  conformity  to  the  world  in  regard 
to  sinful  habits,  conversation,  reading,  and  amusements. 

You  do  now  cordially  join  yourselves  to  this  as  a  Church  of  Christ,  engaging 
to  submit  to  its  discipline,  so  far  as  conformable  to  the  rules  of  the  Gospel ;  and 
solemnly  covenanting  to  strive,  as  far  as  in  you  lies,  for  its  Gospel  peace,  edifi¬ 
cation,  and  purity,  and  to  walk  with  its  members  in  all  memberlike  love,  faith¬ 
fulness,  circumspection,  meekness,  and  sobriety.  Thu3  you  covenant  and 
promise. 

\  Ilcrc  the  members  of  the  church  will  rise. ] 

We,  then,  the  members  of  this  Church  of  Christ,  do  now  receive  you  into 
our  communion,  and  promise  to  watch  over  you  with  Christian  affection  and 
tenderness,  ever  treating  you  in  love  as  members  of  the  body  of  Clnist,  who  is 
|  Head  over  all  things  to  the  Church. 

This  wre  do,  imploring  the  Great  Shepherd  of  Israel,  our  Lord  and  Redeemer,  j 


that  both  we  and  you  may  have  wisdom  and  grace  to  be  faithful  in  his  covenant, 
and  to  glorify  him. with  the  holiness  which  become th  his  house  forever. 


f 


I 


PRINCIPLES  OF  ORGANIZATION  AND  GOVERNMENT. 


This  Church  is  instituted  on  the  fundamental  principles  of  Congregation¬ 
alism,  viz : 

That  every  particular  association  of  Christians,  voluntarily  united  for  the 
worship  of  God,  and  the  obesrvancc  of  Gospel  ordinances,  is  a  complete 
Church,  independent  of  all  other  human  bodies  or  individuals,  and  has  the  right 
to  decide  all  questions  affecting  the  objects  of  its  organization  ;  That  Christ  is 
the  sole  head  and  lawgiver  of  the  Church,  and  the  Scriptures  arc  the  only 
infallible  guide  of  church  order  and  discipline;  That  to  the  Church  in  its  asso¬ 
ciate  capacity,  is  committed  by  the  Scriptures  the  responsibility  of  electing  its 
own  officers,  of  receiving,  dismissing  and  disciplining  its  members,  and  adminis¬ 
tering  its  government  as  a  religious  democracy ;  That  the  essential  officers  of 
the  Church,  are  Pastors  (also  called  bishops  and  elders  in  the  Scriptures),  and 
Deacons;  That  these  officers  have  no  authority  to  decide  questions  touching 
its  government  and  discipline,  while  standing  Committees  and  all  other  Com¬ 
mittees  are  simply  to  prepare  business  for  the  action  of  the  Church  as  a  body  ; 
and,  that  in  short,  all  the  affairs  of  the  Church  are  to  be  decided  by  the  general 
vote  of  the  brethren. 

At  the  same  time  this  Church  recognizes  the  duty  to  extend  to  other  churches 
of  Christ,  and  to  receive  from  them,  that  fellowship,  advice,  and  assistance  com¬ 
manded  by  the  word  of  God,  required  by  common  discipleship  to  the  Savior, 
and  sometimes  made  specially  incumbent  by  the  common  interests  at  stake,  or 
by  the  importance  and  difficulty  of  the  subject  to  be  decided. 


STANDING  RULES 


ADOPTED  MARCH  ”4,  1858- 


Art.  I.— CHURCII  ACTION. 

All  Officers  and  Committees  shall  be  chosen,  and,  with  the  exceptions  specified 
in  Article  Ninth,  all  questions  shall  be  decided,  by  vote  of  the  majority  o1 
members  present 


Art.  lb— OFFICERS. 

1.  The  Officers  of  the  church,  according  to  the  New  Testament  examples, 
shall  be  a  Pastor  and  Deacons.  For  the  fuither  ordering  of  its  affairs,  there 
shall  be  chosen  each  year  at  the  annual  meeting,  a  Clerk,  and  for  each  Sab. 
bath  School  connected  with  the  church,  a  Supeiintendent  and  a  Sabbath  School 
Committee. 

2.  At  all  meetings  for  business  the  Pastor  shall  preside,  or  in  his  absence, 
one  of  the  Deacons,  unless  the  church  should  designate  some  other  member  for 
the  pin  pose. 

3.  The  number  of  Deacons  shall  be  three  or  more,  who  shall  be  elected 
triennially  by  ballot,  at  the  annual  meeting ;  but  in  case  of  neglect  to  hold  an 
election,  they  shall  continue  to  act  until  others  are  chosen.  In  general,  their 
duty  is  understood  to  be,  to  serve  the  Lord's  table  ;  to  relieve  at  their  discretion, 
or  by  direction  of  the  church,  indigent  and  sick  members  as  far  as  the  funds 
of  the  church  shall  warrant ;  to  endeavor  to  heal  differences,  prevent  or  remove 
scandals  and  offenses ;  to  assist  and  consult  with  the  Pastor ;  to  conduct  the 
social  religious  meetings  when  called  to  it  by  the  Pastor,  or  in  his  absence,  when 
no  other  provision  has  been  made. 

4.  The  Clerk  shall  record  the  proceedings  of  the  church,  and  furnish  cer¬ 
tified  copies  when  required.  He  shall  keep  a  file  of  its  public  papers,  and  a  list 
of  its  members,  with  the  time  of  their  admission,  dismission  or  death.  It  shall 
ordinarily  be  his  duty,  to  issue  certificates  of  dismission  and  recommendation 
which  have  been  granted  by  the  church  ;  or  this  duty  may  be  performed  by 
the  Pastor.  The  Clerk  shall  also  act  as  Treasurer,  to  receive  the  various 
charitable  contributions  of  the  church  and  congregation. 


STANDING  RULES. 


11 


5.  The  Sabbath  School  Committee  and  Superintendent  will  constitute  a  ; 
Hoard  of  Managers  for  the  Sabbath  School  with  which  they  arc  connected 
subject  to  the  direction  of  the  church. 

6.  At  each  annual  meeting,  the  following  Reports  shall  be  submitted :  from 
the  Treasurer,  a  Repoit  of  all  funds  by  him  received  or  disbursed,  accom¬ 
panied  with  a  statement  of  such  other  benevolent  contributions  from  members 
of  the  congregation  as  may  come  to  his  knowledge,  though  not  passing  through 
his  hands;  from  the  Managers  of  the  Sabbath  School,  through  the  Superin¬ 
tendent,  a  Report  of  the  operation  and  success  of  the  Sabbath  School,  and  all 
that  concerns  the  religious  education  of  the  children  and  youth  ;  at  d  from  the 
Deacons,  a  Report  of  the  state  and  progress  of  religion  in  the  church  and 
congregation,  taking  notice  of  the  additions  to  the  church,  dismissions  from  it, 
and  cases  of  permanent  absence  without  dismission, — and  including  whatever 
stands  related  to  the  outward  prosperity  and  spnitual  wtlfare  of  the  church. 

7.  Vacancies  in  any  of  i  he  offices  of  the  church  may  be  filled  at  any  regular 
weekly  meeting,  one  week’s  notice  being  given  ;  and  the  persons  so  chosen, 
shall  act  duiing  the  unexpired  portion  of  the  term  of  their  p? edecessors. 


Art.  III.— DISCIPLINE. 


1.  The  church  censures  shall  be  admonition,  su -pension,  or  excommunication. 
Excommunication  shall  be  announced  publicly  fiotn  the  pulpit. 

2.  The  lulc  of  discipline  shall  be,  except  in  cases  of  open  and  flagrant 
immorality  demanding  immediate  action,  that  laid  down  by  our  Saviour  in  the 
eighteenth  chapter  of  Matthew  (15-l7th  verses),  viz.:  first,  private  labor  by 
an  individual ;  if  this  is  unsuccessful,  then  by  one  or  two  more;  and  this  failing, 
the  case  shall  be  laid  before  the  church. 

3.  In  cases  of  discipl  ne,  one  week’s  notice  shall  be  given  to  the  church, 
ordinarily,  before  final  action ;  an  1  the  subject  thereof  shall  be  notified  of  the 
time,  and  have  the  light  to  be  heaid  before  the  church,  personally  or  bv  proxy; 
said  proxy  being  a  professor  of  religion. 


Art.  IV.— ADMISSION  OF  MEMBERS. 


1.  Persons  desiring  to  become  connected  with  this  church  on  profession  of 
faith,  may  signify  their  desire  to  the  Pastor  or  one  of  the  Deacons.  They 
shall  be  examined  as  to  the  genuineness  of  their  hope  in  the  presence  of  the 
church:  provided,  however,  that  upon  special  request  of  the  candidate,  the 
examination  may  be  conducted  in  a  more  private  manner  by  the  Pastor  and 

1  the  details  of  the  examination  reported  to  t1  ~  1 - 1  ^  ‘ 

die  examination  be  sustained,  their  names  sha 
n  the  pulpit  one  week  at  least  previous  to  rccc 


if  no  o'jecion  be  filed  with  the  Pastor  or  Deacons,  they  may,  by  vote  of  the 
church,  be  received,  upon  publicly  assenting  to  the  Articles  of  Faith,  receiving 
Baptism  (if  it  have  not  been  previously  administered),  and  entering  into  covenant 
with  the  church. 

2.  Members  of  other  evangelical  churches  applying  fur  admission  by  letter, 
and  expressing  their  satisfaction  with  our  Ait:cles  of  Faith,  may  be  received 
by  vote  of  the  church  on  publicly  entering  into  covenant  with  us;  but  unless 
specially  ordered  otherwise,  their  letters  shall  be  read  to  the  church  at  least 
one  week  previous  to  the  action  of  the  church,  and  shall  be  publicly  announced 
from  the  pulpit  on  the  Sabbath. 


Art.  V.  -DISMISSION  OF  MEMBERS. 

1.  It  is  expected  that  members,  on  removing,  will  ask  letters  of  di- mission  and 
recommendation.  In  case  of  delay  longer  than  one  year,  it  shall  be  the  business 
of  the  Clerk  to  remind  them  of  their  duty. 

2.  Applications  for  letters  of  dismission  should  specify  the  particular  church 
which  the  member  wishes  to  join,  and  that  church  shall  be  notified  of  the  fact 
by  the  clerk.  The  requett  shall  ordinarily  be  laid  before  the  church  one  week 
before  final  action. 


Art.  VI.— MEETINGS  AND  ORDINANCES. 

1.  The  annual  church  meeting  shall  be  held  on  the  first  Wednesday  evening 
in  January. 

2.  There  shall  be  a  regular  weekly  religious  meeting  on  Wednesday  evening, 
which  it  shall  be  considered  the  duty  of  all  members  to  attend,  Providence 
permitting. 

3.  Business  may  be  transacted  at  the  Wednesday  evening  meeting,  or  any 
other  meeting  announced  from  the  pulpit  on  the  Sabbath. 

4.  The  Wednesday  evening  meeting  next  preceding  the  Lord’s  Supper  shall 
be  considered  as  especially  preparatory  to  that  ordinance,  and  the  exercises 
shall  be  in  accordance  therewith. 

5.  The  Lord’s  Supper  shall  be  celebrated  on  the  first  Sabbath  in  January, 
March,  May,  July,  September  and  November. 

G.  The  monthly  conceit  of  prayer  for  missions  shall  be  held  on  the  first 
Monday  in  each  month,  or  on  the  Sabbath  preceding,  at  which  time  a  contribution 
shall  be  taken  up  for  missionary  purposes. 

7.  Children  may  be  presented  for  Baptism  at  any  public  meeting. 


,o 


STANDING  RULES. 


13 


'  Art.  VII. -CONTRIBUTIONS. 

1.  There  shall  be  a  contribution  taken  up  at  the  celebration  of  the  Lord’s 
Supper,  the  avails  of  which  shall  be  applied,  first,  to  defraying  the  expenses  of 
the  table;  second,  to  the  relief  of  indigent  or  sick  members ;  third,  to  such 
other  purposes  as  the  church  may  direct,  when  not  needed  for  those  objects. 

2.  Stated  collections  shall  be  taken  in  the  congregation  (or  by  private 
subscription),  for  the  leading  charitable  objects,  accoiding  to  a  schedule  adopted 
by  the  church  from  time  to  time.  Other  occasional  collections  may  be  taken 
w  hen  judged  expedient  by  the  Pastor  and  Deacons. 

3.  It  shall  be  considered  the  duty  of  all  the  members  to  contribute  to  the 
church  fund  and  to  the  missionary  cause  regularly,  as  the  Lord  shall  prosper 
them,  and  to  bear  a  just  and  equal  proportion  of  all  the  expenses  of  sustaining 
the  Gospel  in  connection  with  this  church. 

Art.  VIII.— COUNCILS. 

In  cases  of  difficulty  in  the  church  which  cannot  be  otherwise  adjusted,  or 
between  the  Pastor  and  church  ;  or  when  a  member  shall  feel  aggrieved  by 
the  action  of  the  church  ;  also  in  the  settlement  and  dismission  of  a  Pastor 
jesort  shall  be  had  to  advisory  councils,  according  to  the  approved  usage  of 
Congregational  churches. 

Art.  IX.— AMENDMENTS. 

1.  Additions  and  amendments  shall  be  made  to  these  Rules  only  at  a  regular 
weekly  meeting,  and  after  public  notice  on  the  Sabbath,  by  vote  of  two-thirds 
of  the  members  present. 

2.  No  changes  shall  be  made  in  the  Articles  of  Faith  or  Covenant,  excej  t  by 
a  vote  of  three-fourths  of  the  members  present,  at  an  annual  meeting  or  one 
adjourned  therefrom,  or  one  specially  called  therefor  by  notice  four  weeks 

|  previous  from  the  pulpit  on  the  Sabbath:  nor  shall  such  alteration  be  con- 
|  sidered,  unless  a  notice  containing  the  substance  thereof  shall  have  been  given 
in  writing  at  a  previous  regular  meeting  :  nor  shall  such  change,  when  made,  be 
binding  upon  the  consciences  or  rights  of  the  non-consenting  minority,  provided 
they  present  a  written  protest  within  one  month  of  said  action. 

Art.  X.— BY  LAWS. 

By-laws  and  regulations  to  carry  out  the  provisions  and  principles  of  these 
standing  rules  may  be  enacted  at  any  business  meeting. 


/fed- 


CHARITABLE  CONTRIBUTIONS. 


The  following  is  the  Schedule  of  regular  Charitable  Contributions,  as  adopted 
in  185*7 — to  be  changed,  however,  at  the  pleasure  of  the  Church. 

1  Second  Sabbath  in  Jan.,  Am.  Home  Missionary  Society, 

“  March,  Am.  Bible  Society. 

“  May,  Am.  Board  Com.  Foreign  Missions. 

“  July,  Am.  Education  Society. 

“  September,  Am.  and  Foreign  Christian  Union. 

“  November,  Societies  for  circulating  Religious  Boohs 
and  Tracts. 


2 

3 

4 

5 
G 


U 


u 


OFFICERS. 


PASTOR. 

SAMUEL  C.  BAETLETT. 


DEACONS. 

CHAELES  G.  HAMMOND, 
GEOEGE  C.  WHITNEY, 
FEANC1S  BEADLE  Y. 


CLERK  AND  TREASURER. 

E.  W.  BLATCHEOED. 


SABBATH  SCHOOL  SUPERINTENDENTS. 

WILLIAM  H.  BRADLEY, 
WILLIAM  BACKUS. 

SABBATH  SCHOOL  COMMITTEE. 

i 


/ 


LIST  OF 


M  E  M  B  E  R  S . 


Names.  IIow  Received. 

JUNE  15,  1858. 

Rev.  John  C.  Ilulbrook,  Cong.  Ch.  Dubuque,  Iowa, 

Mrs.  Anna  S.  Holbrook,  “  “  “  “ 


Abraham  Clark,  “  “  “  “ 

Mrs.  Melicent  Clark,  “  “  “  “ 

Miss  Jane  E.  Clark,  “  “  “  “ 

Miss  Rachel  A.  Coale,  “  “  “  “ 

•  ' 

Charles  G.  Hammond,  Plymouth  Church  Chicago, 
Mrs.  Charlotte  B.  Hammond.  “  “  “ 

Benjamin  Carpenter,  “  “ 

Mrs.  Abigail  Carpenter,  “  “  “ 

Orlando  Davidson,  “  “  “ 

Mrs.  Caroline  Davidson,  “  “  “ 


George  C.  Whitney, 

Mrs.  Persis  R.  Whitney, 
Miss  Sarah  Whitney, 
Charles  H.  Whitney.  . 
Lucius  D.  Olmsted, 

Mrs.  Jessie  Olmsted, 
James  M.  Davidson, 

Mrs.  Lucy  Davidson, 

Miss  Elizabeth  Davidson, 


Gth  Pres,  Ch.  Newark,  X.  J. 

44  44  44  il 

U  U  ii  ii 

ii  44  ii  t4 

2d.  Pres.  Church  Chicago, 

44  14  44 

1st.  Cong.  Church,  Chicago, 

44  44  44 

44  4  4  4 


OCTOBER  12,  1853. 
Carpenter,  Profession, 


Remarks. 


Dis.  Jan.  3,  1856, 
[C.  C.  Dubuque,] 
Dis.  Jan.  3,  1855, 
[to  C.  C.  Dubuque] 
Died  Feb.  21,  1855. 
Dis.  Jan.  3, 1856,  to 
[San  Francisco], 
Dis.  Jan.  3,  1857, 
[to  San  Francisco], 
Sep.  3,  1859,  Ply¬ 
mouth  Ch.  Clii.J 


Dis.  Sep  1858,  Con 
[Ch.  Elgin,  Ill.] 
Dis.  Sep.  1S54,  Con 
[Ch.  Elgin,  Ill.] 


Died  Xov.  29, 1856 
Died  Feb.  14,  1S57. 


Died  Xov.  20, 1855. 
Dis.  May  17,  1856, 
[C.  C.  Mendota  Ill.] 


Names. 


How  Received. 


Remarks. 


NOArEMRER  5,  1850. 

William  H.  Bradley,  2d.  Bros.  Church,  Galena,  Ill. 

Mrs.  Sophronia  S.  Bradley, 

DECEMBER  3,  1856. 

William  Dickinson,  Cong.  Church,  Springfield,  Vt. 


MAY  3,  1857. 

William  E.  Wheeler,  Ref.  Dutch  Ch.  Newark,  N.  J. 

Robert  Whitney,  Ref.  Dutch  Ch.  Sanduskv,  0.  Dis.  Dec.  29,  1 857, 

[C.C.  St.  Louis, M.] 

MAY  3,  1857. 

Samuel  C.  Bartlett,  Frank.  St.  Ch.  Manchester,  N.  H. 

Mrs.  Mary  B.  Bartlett,  u  “  “  “ 


JULY  5,  1857. 

Ellis  S.  Chesbrough,  Park  St.  Church,  Boston, 

Mrs.  Eliz.  A.  Chesbrough,  “  “  “ 

Miss  Mary  A.  Barnett,  “  “  “ 


John  II.  Shaw, 

Mrs.  Francis  E.  Millard, 


George  Tucker, 

Francis  Bradley, 

Mrs.  Sarah  P.  Bradley, 
Albert  Sanderson, 

Mrs.  Laurinda  Sanderson, 
Benjamin  Durham, 

Mrs.  Isabella  McLennan, 
Henry  Bliss, 

Miss  Eliza  E.  Bliss, 

Miss  Sarah  H.  Hatch, 


!  Miss  Francis  C.  Bradley, 


Philip  Atkinson, 

Mrs.  Lucy  Atkinson, 
Stephen  W.  D.  Jackson, 


SEPTEMBER  6,  1857. 

High  St.  Church,  Portland,  Me. 
Pres.  Church,  South  Bend,  Ind, 

NOVEMBER  1,  1857. 

North  Cong.  Ch.  Hartford,  Con. 
1st  Ch.  of  Chiist,  New  Haven,  C. 

44  44  44 

Bowdoin  St.  Church,  Boston, 

44  4  4  4  % 

1st  Cong.  Church,  Beloit,  AY  is. 
Am.  Pres.  Church,  Montreal, 

1st  Ch.  of  Christ,  Springfield,  Ms. 

44  44  44 

Trim  Cong.  Ch.  A\rarnick,  Mass. 

NOVEMBER  11,  1857. 

1st  Ch.  of  Christ  N.  Haven,  Con. 

JANUARY  3,  1858. 

Cong.  Ch.  Bloomington,  Ill. 

44  44  44 

Elliot  Church,  Newton,  Mass. 


20 


LIST  OF  MEMBERS. 


How  Received. 


William  Shuttleworth, 
Edward  F.  Thomas, 

Mrs.  Edward  F.  Thomas, 
Mrs.  Mary  G.  Adams, 


Bedf.  Cong.  Ch.  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 
Cong.  Church,  Homer,  N.  Y. 
Baptist  Church,  “  “ 

2d  Pres.  Church,  Galena,  Ill. 


Hugh  McLennan, 

Miss  Caroline  F.  Stewart, 
Hamilton  B.  Bogue, 
Benjamin  F.  Millard. 
Lyman  Baird , 


MARCH  7,  1858. 
Profession, 

U 

u 

Presbytery  of  Bath,  N.  Y. 

3d  Cong.  Church,  Now  Haven. 


o' 


fC. 


.O 


Jumes  U.  House, 


LIST  OF  MEMBERS. 


How  Received. 

OCTOBER  3,  1853. 
Profession, 


17 


Remarks. 


Dis.  May  1, 1857,  C. 
[Cli.  Dubuque,  la.] 


NOVEMBER  3.  1853. 


!  Miss  Harriet  House,  Pres.  Church,  Pine  Plains,  X.  J.  Dis.  May  1, 2857,  C. 

[Ch.  Dubuque,  la.] 

William  Baker,  3d.  Pres.  Church  Chicago. 

Mrs  Elizabeth  Ann  Baker,  “  “  “ 

Mrs.  Julia  Maynard,  Cong.  Church,  Sheboygan,  Wis. 

Miss  Sophia  Maynard,  “  “  “  ‘‘ 

NOVEMBER  6,  1853. 


Miss  Laura  IIowc, 
Thomas  Green, 
Mrs.  Sarah  Green, 
W.  G.  Hathaway, 


1st.  Pres.  Church,  Chicago, 

“  “  “  Died  Nov.  1,  1855 

<<  U  U 

Profession, 


DECEMBER  20,  1853. 


Henry  Dickson, 

Mrs.  Ellen  Dickson, 
Charles  Cress, 


Mont  Vernon  Church,  Boston, 

u  a  u 

Profession, 


Jane  A.  Van  O’Linda, 
John  Quincy  Adams, 


Holmes  0.  Sleight, 


MARCH  1,  1854. 

Pres.  Church,  Theresa,  N.  Y. 

1st  Pres.  Church,  Galesburg,  Ill. 

MAY  3,  1854. 

Cong.  Church,  Geneseo,  Ill.  Died  Genesco,  Ill. 


Mrs.  Frances  Mees, 
Mrs.  Maria  Kopper, 


Frank  G.  Green, 

Charles  R.  Chandler. 


Ephraim  Jennings, 

Mis.  Eliza  W.  Jennings, 


MAY  14,  1854. 

1st  Pres.  Church,  Chicago,  Ill.  Died  July,  1854 
“  “  “  “  Dis.  Nov.  15,  1855, 

[Freeport,  Ill.] 


JANUARY  14,  1855. 

Profession,  Dis.  April  21,  1S55 

APRIL  25,  1855. 

Cong.  Church,  Lunenburgh,  Vt. 

MAY  3,  1855. 

Cong.  Church,  Kenosha,  Wis. 

“  “  Natick,  Mass. 


Oi 


18 


LIST  OF  MEMKKRS. 


N  ames. 


Mortimer  M.  Brown, 

Thomas  Phelps, 

Richard  Barnard, 

Mrs.  Martha  Jane  White, 
Mrs.  Almira  N.  Wilder, 


Miss  Mary  Anna  Wright, 
Luther  Temple, 

Hannah  Temple, 

Edward  A.  Boguc, 

i 

Mrs.  Lydia  Carpenter, 

Jason  L.  Lee, 

William  H.  Seeley, 

Mrs.  Harriet  B.  Whittlesey, 


Wm.  C.  Hubbard, 
James  Parker, 

Miss  Eliza  L.  Whitney, 
Caroline  Niesman, 


Albert  L.  Coe, 
George  Gallup, 


Eliphalet  W.  Blatchford, 
William  Backus, 


How  Received. 

MAY  6,  1855. 
Profession, 

it 

U 

u 

u 

JULY  1,  1S55. 
Profession, 

Cong.  Church,  Marietta,  0. 


Remarks. 


Dis.  Nov.  15,  1855, 
[Oneida,  Ill. 


Mrs.  Cynthia  Davidson, 


Ithaca,  N.  Y. 

AUGUST  29,  1855. 
Roscoc,  Ill. 

DECEMBER  20,  1855. 
Cong.  Ch.  Union  City,  Mich. 

JANUARY  10,  1850. 

Pres.  Ch.  Sag  Harbour,  L.  I. 

FEBRUARY  9,  1856. 

1st  Cong.  Church,  Exeter,  N.  II 

APRIL  10,  1856. 

Park  Street  Church,  Boston, 

1st  Pres.  Church,  Galena,  Ill. 
1st  Pres.  Ch.  Silver  Creek,  N.  Y. 
2d  Pres.  Church,  Galena,  Ill. 

JULY  1,  1856. 
Profession, 

(C 

AUGUST  7,  1856. 

1st  Trin.  Cong.  Ch.  St.  Louis,  M. 
Bed.  Cong.  Ch.  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

OCTOBER  29,  1836. 

Cen.  Cong.  Ch.  Gilrnanton,  N.  II. 


Dis.  July  14, 1856, 
[C.  C.  Marietta,  O.] 
Dis.  July  14,  1856, 
[C.  C.  Marietta,  0.] 


